Thousands Evacuated as Hawaii Faces Worst Flooding in 20 Years

Thousands of residents across Hawaii have been forced to evacuate their homes as the islands endure their most severe flooding in decades, following a second powerful storm in just one week.

Authorities say the damage could exceed $1bn (£745m), according to Rick Blangiardi, mayor of Honolulu. More than 230 people have already been rescued, with emergency services continuing operations as heavy rainfall persisted into early Saturday.

Officials have raised alarms over a dam on Oahu—the state’s most populous island—warning it is at risk of collapse. Residents have been urged to take the situation seriously and follow evacuation guidance.

At a press briefing, Josh Green confirmed there had been no reported fatalities so far, while commending emergency responders for their ongoing efforts.

Floodwaters have surged through communities, lifting homes and vehicles, and prompting evacuation orders affecting approximately 5,500 people north of Honolulu. Multiple roads across the islands have been shut down due to hazardous conditions.

The Honolulu Department of Emergency Management has issued repeated flash flood warnings, advising residents to seek higher ground and avoid entering flooded areas.

Flood alerts have also been extended to other islands, including Maui, Molokai, and Hawaii Island.

Governor Green warned the storm would have “serious consequences” for the state, citing widespread damage to critical infrastructure such as airports, schools, roads, hospitals, and residential properties.

The extreme weather is being driven by a Kona Low—a slow-moving low-pressure system that pulls in warm, moisture-laden air, leading to prolonged heavy rainfall and flash flooding across the Hawaiian islands.